MORRISTOWN, N.J. – At its recent Family Day celebration, The Seeing Eye honored four long-time puppy raisers with induction to the “The Seeing Eye 21 Club”, a special honor for volunteers who have raised at least 21 Seeing Eye® puppies. The non-profit also honored the Seeing Eye puppy raising club volunteers with two awards, the Outstanding Leader Award and the 40-year Leader Award. Finally, 22 exceptional college-bound puppy raisers were awarded college scholarships totaling $55,000.
“As we prepare for several new litters in the coming months, we’re inviting dog lovers to become part of our mission,” said Leies. “Whether you’re interested in raising a puppy or helping out as a sitter, there’s a place for you in our community. The Seeing Eye covers the cost of veterinary care, preventatives, and puppy food so you can focus on the important task of nurturing a puppy with an important purpose.”
Outstanding Club Leader Award
Paula Cook, Lititz, Pa. (Lancaster County Puppy Raising Club)
40-Year Leader Awards (2)
Janet Keeler, Union, N.J. (Essex County Puppy Raising Club)
Donna Boyd-Witmer, Chambersburg, Pa. (Franklin County Puppy Raising Club)
21 Club Honorees (4):
Barbara Dietrich, Hamburg, Pa. (Berks County Puppy Raising Club)
Tony & Donna Macerino, Highland Lakes, N.J. (Sussex County Puppy Raising Club)
Bonnie Moore, Nazareth, Pa. (Lehigh County Puppy Raising Club)
Kimberly Winnington, Newark, Del. (University of Delaware Puppy Raising Club)
Scholarship recipients (22): To qualify, students have raised at least two Seeing Eye puppies, demonstrated a high level of academic achievement and are active in their communities.
Nina Bohensky, Madison, N.J. (Morris County, SE Puppy Raising Club) Moravian University
Brielle Castellano, Ocean Township, N.J. (Monmouth County Puppy Raising Club) Ramapo College
Kaylei Castellano, Ocean Township, N.J. (Monmouth County Puppy Raising Club) Ramapo College
Adrianna Coba-Horvath, Mount Holly, N.J. (Burlington County Puppy Raising Club) University of South Florida
Giulia Daly, Ridgewood, N.J. (Bergen County Puppy Raising Club) Boston College
Christine de Jong, Plainsboro, N.J. (Middlesex County Puppy Raising Club) University of Pittsburgh
Mya Joan Ellis, Mount Joy, Pa. (Lancaster County Puppy Raising Club) Iowa State University
Claire Irene Fly, Flemington, N.J. (Hunterdon County Puppy Raising Club) University of Vermont – Burlington
Jacqueline Fritsch, Long Valley, N.J. (Morris County, NW Puppy Raising Club) Rutgers University – Newark
Isabella Lambert, Verona, N.J. (Essex County Puppy Raising Club) Duke University
Paige Logan, Highland Park, N.J. (Middlesex County Puppy Raising Club) University of California, Los Angeles
Hannah Macintyre, Long Valley, N.J. (Morris County, NW Puppy Raising Club) County College of Morris
Olivia Quinn, Shiloh, N.J. (Cumberland County Puppy Raising Club) Rowan University
Tanner Chaz Riefenstahl, Hellertown, Pa. (Lehigh County Puppy Raising Club) DeSales University
Carolyn Hope Roberti, Stroudsburg, Pa. (Luzerne County Puppy Raising Club) Widener University
Ava Roslund, Belvidere, N.J. (Warren County Puppy Raising Club) University of Delaware
Ellie Roslund, Belvidere, N.J. (Warren County Puppy Raising Club) James Madison University
Aura Marie Sahadi, Edison, N.J. (Essex County Puppy Raising Club) Middlesex Community College
Marion Annette Sblendorio, Basking Ridge, N.J. (Somerset County Puppy Raising Club) University of Tampa
Anny Stamoulis, Philadelphia, Pa. (Philadelphia County Puppy Raising Club) Penn State University
Ellie Supran, Summit, N.J. (Essex County Puppy Raising Club) Wake Forest University
Qyn Olivia Witmer, Northumberland, Pa. (Juniata County Puppy Raising Club) Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg
A puppy raiser family is responsible for providing a loving and nurturing home environment for approximately one year. During that time, the raiser is responsible for teaching basic obedience, house manners, bringing the puppy to Seeing Eye puppy club meetings and socialization trips in their area. The Seeing Eye puppy could be a German shepherd, Labrador retriever, golden retriever, or a Labrador/golden retriever cross.
Puppy raisers must live within New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware or New York so they can attend regular puppy club meetings where they will receive help and coaching with their puppies. All veterinary and food expenses are covered by The Seeing Eye. If a Seeing Eye puppy does not graduate from the program, the family who raised the puppy is offered the first option to adopt the puppy they raised. For more information visit seeingeye.org/raise.
Established in 1929, The Seeing Eye provides specially bred and trained dogs to guide people who are blind. Seeing Eye dog handlers experience greatly enhanced mobility and independence, allowing them to retain their active lifestyles. The Seeing Eye is a 501(c)3 non-profit supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, bequests, and other planned gifts.
The Seeing Eye is a trademarked name and can only be used to describe the dogs bred and trained at the school’s facilities in Morristown, N.J. If you would like more information on The Seeing Eye, please visit the website at www.SeeingEye.org, call (973) 539-4425, or email info@seeingeye.org.
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